Billed by organisers SoldUSA as "the largest militaria auction to come to market in the last five years," the internet sale ended on January 24.

The medals of Adolf Ritter von Tutschek, sold for $28,250

Featured in the auction wasVon Tutschek original named and engraved Pour Le Merit "Blue Max" award in its original case, his cased Iron Cross medal with his name engraved on the reverse, and his engraved, cut-out pilot's badge in a leatherette box.

A German soldier-turned-fighter pilot, Von Tutschek notched up 27 air victories during WW1.

He was shot down and killed in action on March 15, 1918, while piloting a Fokker D-1 tri-plane, aged just 26.

In the end, Von Tutschek's group of medals was the top earner among more than 1,000 lots sold.